Gov’t Mule has released Peace…Like A River, the 12th studio album by the Warren Haynes-led rock outfit.
While Peace…Like A River was recorded by Haynes (guitar, vocals), Matt Abts (drums), Danny Louis (keys), and Jorgen Carlsson (bass) during the same sessions that produced Gov’t Mule’s Grammy-nominated 2021 LP, Heavy Load Blues, the albums were created in different rooms with no shared gear or instruments in an attempt to maintain the unique character and identity of the two concurrent projects.
Thematically, the new collection explores the seismic changes the world has undergone over the past few years. With proudly-worn influences dating back to the 1970s—an era Haynes refers to as “the golden era of rock, soul, jazz, and blues”—the 12-track set manages to feel both timely and timeless.
“With this record, there’s an honest attempt to bring back more complex arrangements in rock music that were so prevalent in a lot of the music we all grew up listening to but have been missing for too long in most of today’s music,” shared Warren Haynes of the new LP. “This album also has a little more of a positive message than some of our past studio albums. A lot of the songs are about rediscovery and unity and celebrating what’s most important in life. We’re excited to finally have Peace…Like A River out into the world and to perform the new music for our fans, who have already been embracing the new material.”
Gov’t Mule Finds Contentment On 9-Minute Epic, “Made My Peace” [Listen]
Gov’t Mule first introduced Peace…Like A River with the stirring lead single “Dreaming Out Loud”, featuring vocals from New Orleans legend Ivan Neville and blues great Ruthie Foster. For the song’s lyrics, Haynes wove together inspirational quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Robert and John F. Kennedy, and the late civil rights leader and U.S. Representative John Lewis. Peace…Like A River opens with heartfelt track “Same As It Ever Was”, then ventures into the humorous “Shake Our Way Out” featuring Gibbons’ trademark vocals.
Introspective nine-minute epic “Made My Peace”, inspired by The Beatles’ late work, benefits from an orchestral backdrop by The Kerhonkson Philharmonic, while Billy Bob Thornton adds his distinctive vocals to “The River Only Flows One Way” and rising soul artist Celisse showcases her chops on “Just Across The River”.
Listen to Peace…Like A River, the 12th studio album by Gov’t Mule, via the Spotiy player below of stream it on the platform of your choice here.
Gov’t Mule – Peace…Like A River – Full Album
After parting ways with longtime bassist Jorgen Carlsson and introducing new band member Kevin Scott earlier this month, Gov’t Mule hit the road to begin a lengthy summer tour schedule including a run of shows with The Avett Brothers, a stretch of dates with Willie Nelson‘s traveling Outlaw Music Festival, and a number of Dark Side of the Mule performances featuring support from Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening. For a complete list of 2023 Gov’t Mule tour dates, head here.
Click below to view the full tracklist for Peace…Like A River and browse a full list of upcoming Gov’t Mule tour dates.